Sarcasm Is Good For You

30 October 2015

Sarcasm Is Good For You

A study has emerged which revealed sarcasm increases creativity and well-being. This is great news for those of us who like a good sarcastic retort. No longer can people label sarcasm as the the lowest form of wit. It is now linked to creativity, intelligence and is good for your overall mental health.

A research study titled ‘The Highest Form of Intelligence: Sarcasm Increases Creativity for Both Expressers and Recipients’ was conducted by some smart lads at Harvard Business School and Columbia Business School. The study found that to be sarcastic you need the ability to understand language and the verbal or written dexterity to play with the meanings of words, phrases and situations. Essentially you need an imagination. Often there is a ‘victim’ to which the sarcasm is aimed at, but really the study reports that when you insult through sarcasm, you are doing so on the prevision that the recipient has the same mental capabilities as you do.

So, you have full licence to go forth and insult as sarcastically as you can, if met with offended ears, remind them it is an inverted compliment. Often an essential part of banter and human relationships, sarcasms helps us say things we find too confrontational to say in a plain manner. Sarcasm is helping us bond, communicate and demonstrate our wit.

It is great to finally have evidence that our ‘smart ass’ ways are in fact smart. So go forth, be bold and let the sarcastic times role.